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Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility, the stipend, and what makes a strong application.

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Program Eligibility & Overview

 Who is eligible for the ROOTS Leadership Institute? 

The program is for all current first-year, sophomore, and junior CSUF undergraduate students who will be continuing coursework into Fall 2027, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected statuses. The program is for all current first-year, sophomore, and junior CSUF undergraduate students who will be continuing coursework into Fall 2027, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected statuses. 

Work permits are not required for the ROOTS Leadership Institute. Undergraduate students who are graduating in spring 2027 and graduate students are not eligible for the spring 2027 cycle. 

What is required to apply to the ROOTS program?

All students must submit:
  • an online application form
  • a resume/CV via the online application
  • three short essay answers via the online application
  • one letter of recommendation

What internship sites and projects are available? 

All available internship sites and projects are listed online. Please review and consider your site options carefully, as students are required to rank their top four sites in the application form.

How will interns be paired with the internship site? 

Our ROOTS Selection Committee will evaluate all student applications in November 2026. From our application pool, SITEs will be offered a list of the top 3-4 candidates based on the students' interest in the SITE, fit within the SITE's needs, and the Selection Committee's evaluation. 

We will choose a finalist from that list of top candidates. If the finalist accepts the offer, the match will be made between the intern and the site by December 1st, 2026. 

Will interns receive any training prior to starting their projects? 

All interns will go through a 2-day orientation with DIRC to receive leadership and professional development prior to starting their project. They will also be expected to partake in a three-day overnight coalition building retreat and monthly Zoom cohort meetings for continued connection, development, and checkpoints throughout the semester. 

We encourage you to communicate with your supervisor about onboarding and training at the beginning of the Spring 2027 semester to ensure an effective experience for both the intern and the supervisor. 

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Stipend Payment

Will I get paid for my leadership project?

Roots interns who complete their project and all program requirements - including completion of their 150 hours, completion of the leadership project, and attendance at all mandatory key dates - will receive a $2,250 stipend at the conclusion of the program in summer 2027. 

Will the stipend impact my financial aid? 

All Roots interns are encouraged to speak with the Financial Aid Office regarding how the stipend will impact their financial aid status. The stipend will be sent in the form of a financial award in summer 2027 and will be considered either a summer or fall 2027 award, depending on their course enrollment. 

When would I receive my stipend? 

Will be sent out as a financial aid award in the months of June to August 2027, depending on the student's enrollment status 

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Applications

What makes for a strong application?

There is no single type of candidate that we are looking for. We are looking for candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds, disciplines, and strengths. In general, we are looking for candidates who:

  • Have a strong interest in becoming a leader rooted in community service and advocacy
  • Have a growth mindset (they are open to learning and growing and feedback)
  • Have thought through their academic, personal, and professional goals, and see the alignment between those goals and this program. 

Who can write my letter of recommendation? 

You can request a letter from:

  • A former teacher or professor
  • A former supervisor
  • A staff member or advisor knowledgeable about you
  • A community or mentor 
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Still have a question?

Reach the DIRC ROOTS team via [email protected].

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